Fresh Start Daily

I’m not into competitions. It was never my goal to be a valedictorian or a magna/suma cum laude when I was still a student. I know that a person is not measured by his/her grades. Some students get high grades because of cheating. I’m fine being in the background. I was a wallflower when I was a student. Yes, I was part of the school paper and the debate society in college but it was not to prove anything to anyone. I gravitate towards writing even when I know my grammar isn’t impeccable. I grew up expressing myself in writing. It helped me overcome my awkward teenage and early adulthood years. I wrote about a hundred poems in the past because it was my form of release. I kept lots of diaries. I write more than I speak and I’m okay with that. I’m comfortable with that.

It’s nice to win a contest, sure. The kind of contest I’m referring to that destroys people is the battle of egos. A competition is healthy when it helps us become better individuals. I’m not saying we should settle with mediocrity and not strive to be the best. I’m simply saying, it’s not my personality to compete with people. Of course we should do our best in everything we do, but we should do it not for the world’s applause but for the glory of God.

I am compelled to write about this because some people consider Christianity as a competition. It’s not about being the best in reciting Bible verses (even Satan knows the Word of God). It’s not about being the best Christian. If there’s someone we should be looking up to when it comes to faith is the Lord Himself. He is the ultimate model.

We are not saved because we are intelligent, strong, beautiful, rich, or what have you. Christians should know that we all have the same standing before God. We are not saved because of who we are or what we’ve done but because of who God is. We are saved by the grace of God through faith—faith that is from Him to begin with. There is nothing we can boast about.

I cannot explain everything in the Bible. I even have a hard time memorizing verses. I do remember the words but I tend to forget the book, chapter and verse. (I am working on it though. I need and want to memorize verses.)

I don’t share the Word of God because I think I’m smarter or better than everyone. I definitely am not smarter or better than anyone and I’m totally fine with it. I share the Word of God because I know people need it, like I do. Before knowing Jesus personally, I was lost and shattered. He continuously pursued me even when I’m not worth pursuing. When I surrendered to Him, that’s when I experienced the warmth of His love. No one can tell me that God is not real because I experience Him in my life. I believe in the reality of God because I experience His goodness firsthand and I want to share that with others.

If I had to risk my relationship with people just for them to have a personal relationship with God, so be it. Yes, it’s painful. No one wants to be rejected. Sometimes I get tired and I tell the Lord exactly that. I tell Him the mission He entrusted to us is not easy. It’s not easy to teach people about repentance—especially repentance. People will think you’re being self-righteous, etc. I think I’ve heard all kinds of hurtful words because I share the Word of God. I’ve been singled out. I’ve been gossiped, mocked, laughed at. One time I told God, “Lord, nagiging laughingstock na po ako dito.”

I tell God I’m not qualified to share His Word because I am flawed and I don’t feel worthy to share the gospel. However, He keeps reminding me that none of His children are worthy because of what they do but because of what He did and what He continues to do in their lives. He reminds me that He uses those that are broken for Him.

God chooses the weak, the foolish, the lowly, the despised… He does not like to use the proud, those that rely on themselves for everything. One of my prayers is for God to slap me (but not in a way that I’ll be humiliated 😅) when I’m being proud. I am only able to say these things because of God’s unwavering love for me.

“Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before Him. It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: ‘Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.’” – 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 NIV

“God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time…” – 1 Peter 5:5-6 NKJV (Verses with the same message: James 4:6-7, Proverbs 3:34)

The Lord always leaves us stunned by His wisdom. Truly, God’s ways are higher than ours.

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.” – Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV

He uses not those who are able but those who are available. I didn’t know the things I know now about Him. God only revealed things to me overtime through His Word and the people who cared about me enough to teach me, rebuke me, and correct me. I am not sure about myself but I am sure about my God. I rely on Him for strength, confidence, peace, joy, hope, all good things. I’m not the best and that’s OK. 😉

I finally made japchae today. I’ve been meaning to cook it but couldn’t find the time. Now, because of the quarantine, I have enough time in my hands (NOT that I’m thankful for the pandemic!). It was my first time to cook japchae so I looked for an easy-to-follow tutorial on YouTube.

First, I marinated the sirloin steak and mushroom with soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar and pepper. Then I blanched the spinach leaves. I fried the scrambled egg, onions, spring onions and carrots individually. I boiled the dangmyeon (Korean sweet potato starch noodles).

When everything was cooked, I put the dangmyeon in a bowl and mixed it with soy sauce, sesame oil and sugar. Then I put the other ingredients on the side. I added one clove of minced garlic and ground pepper. I combined all of them together and added more soy sauce, sugar and sesame oil. I tasted it to adjust.

Japchae is a little finicky. Pansit bihon is easier to make because we sauté all the vegetables together. With japchae, we have to fry the ingredients individually. It’s more time consuming. Korean food is so elaborate. They put so much time and effort into it. No wonder their food is so delicious! Everything worth having takes time and effort.

When I went out of the house early this afternoon, I saw that they blocked the road so no cars could enter/exit our area. I walked to Alimall to withdraw money for grocery shopping then I went to SM. I waited in line for almost 2 hours just to get in. Most people were wearing a mask and surgical gloves. I also saw some wearing safety glasses. The guards sprayed alcohol on everybody’s hands before letting them in. However, I noticed that many did not observe social distancing.

I went to the supermarket at 12:45 noon and finished shopping at 6 in the evening. It’s not because I bought a lot of things. (I do not hoard.) I only bought things we will need for the week. I finished at 6 because I was stuck in the long checkout line for 2 hours.

I was tempted to complain while I was outside the supermarket because it was very hot but God reminded me that grumbling is a sin. Instead, I decided to be grateful (1 Thessalonians 5:18) and to count my blessings. I understand the situation. Nobody wants the new setup.

To be honest, I am not panicking because of the nCoV-19. I am not saying this to brag. Yes, I understand the severity of the situation. I understand this could go on for months. This could even be our new normal. This could even get worse. I’m not being a pessimist but I am also considering different possibilities and it’s better to prepare my heart for anything. Despite all these though, I am at peace. It’s not because I am a spiritual giant—I am not. It’s not because I am perfect and I don’t fear Judgment Day. I can only thank God for His gift of salvation.

My heart is at peace not because of anything I’ve done but because of the assurance of God’s reality. God is real and He is in control. I don’t get scared when I read or listen to the news because I know God knows everything that happens in people’s lives.

Today I let an older woman use the price checker first though I got there before her because I was pondering on whether I should get the extra can of evaporated milk or not. My mother asked me to get one for the macaroni soup she promised to make but I thought I could use the extra can for another recipe. Anyway, I smiled at the woman (behind my mask) and she said to me, “Mamamatay na yata tayo.” I replied, “Mag-pray lang po tayo na matapos na ito.” She agreed in kind of a grumbling way then left.

I understand people are afraid. Knowing that there is a virus that kills people in a matter of days is really scary. I would be afraid, too, if I weren’t a Christian. Before coming to Christ, I was super scared of a lot of things—people, the future, death—especially death. However, when I got to know Christ through His Word, I learned about His character and His promises. Knowing that He is real gives me hope and confidence.

Tonight while washing the dishes, I thanked God for preparing me and my family for situations like this. The Bible hides nothing from us. It’s the most genuine book I’ve ever read. God gave us clear warnings and instructions in His Word about everything—including the trials and tribulations the world will face before and after Jesus’ second coming. I was talking to my sister on the phone last week and she said she’s not scared of the corona virus. I’m glad to know she’s not. I’m blessed because I know she knows Jesus already.

2020 is such a surprise for all of us. There was the volcanic eruption in Taal in January, the volcanic eruption in Japan, the Australian bushfire, the war threat between Iran and the U.S., and then the corona virus pandemic. I also heard about the locust swarms in Africa.

At fist I asked God, “Lord, what’s happening?” However, I was reminded that it’s written in His Word that terrible times will come in the last days (2 Timothy 3:1). It’s scary and it can get scarier but God will spare His children from all those. I know there is no stopping the prophecy. However, my prayer is that God will still give us the chance to come to Him. I don’t want my loved ones to die not knowing Jesus Christ personally. I want to see all of my family members in heaven. I wouldn’t be happy to be there without them.

“They will say, ‘Where is this ‘coming’ He promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.’” – 2 Peter 3:4

“But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” – 2 Peter 3:8-9

God is not a liar. He delivers. He does what He says He will do. When He says He will protect His children, He will protect His children. He can stop the pandemic right now if He wants to. I believe He is allowing it to drag for a reason. He is giving all of us a chance to repent from our sins, recognize Him as the King of kings and Lord of lords, and obey Him.

Even if we die, we do not lose because we will be with Him in heaven for eternity. It’s a win-win for those who believe in Jesus. Whether we stay longer on earth or die early, we have nothing to fear. My prayer is that I remain steadfast and that I finish the race well.

I am currently reading the book of Luke. I’ve read it before but it spoke to me anew. I am amazed by the lives of the people mentioned in the first couple of chapters.

• Elizabeth and Zacharias were known as “righteous”. It says in chapter 1 verse 6, “And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.”

• Mary was regarded as “highly favored (ch. 1:28)”.

• Joseph, although not described as righteous in the book of Luke, was regarded as “a just man” in the book of Matthew (ch. 1:19).

• “…the hand of the Lord was with him (ch. 1:66)” was mentioned of John.

• Simeon was known as “just and devout (ch. 2:25)”.

They were all filled with the Holy Spirit. God used all of them to fulfill the prophecy about the Savior’s birth because they believed in God and were obedient to Him. They all played an important role. Today, I re-learned that God uses people who revere Him in their heart and are obedient to Him.

Pizza #1 toppings: tomato sauce mixture, mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese

Pizza #2 toppings: tomato sauce mixture, mushroom, tuna, onion, cheddar cheese

Pizza #3 toppings: garlic, mushroom, mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese